Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty may have given the New York Jets' defense some extra incentive ahead of their upcoming matchup in Week 8. The Raiders enter this matchup on a four-game losing streak against a Jets team that just handed the Miami Dolphins their first win of the season. Jeanty believes the Jets will be the perfect team for the Raiders to improve their running game.
"I think we can definitely get the run game going. Get back on track. … just really get after these guys. A couple guys out there that don't really want to tackle, but I'm not going to say names," Jeanty said in a video clip.
So far this season, the Raiders rank second-worst in the league in the run game, averaging only 74.7 rushing yards per game. Based on Jeanty's comments, their next opponent offers them the ideal opportunity to turn things around. More news: Micah Parsons Sends Blunt Message on Chiefs After Seahawks Loss In his rookie season, Jeanty was a bright spot for a struggling Raiders team.
The explosive back whom they drafted at No. 6 in 2025 had five rushing touchdowns, five receiving touchdowns, and nearly 1,000 rushing yards. However, he hasn't enjoyed the same level of success so far in his sophomore season. As ESPN's Bill Barnwell recently pointed out, he is averaging just 3.5 yards per rushing attempt and will need to display signs of improvement by the end of the season to show he's on the right track to becoming a star running back.
Currently, Jeanty ranks 21st in the league with 328 rushing yards on 106 carries and has scored just once this season. That could change when he and Las Vegas take on the struggling Jets. The Jets rank as ninth-worst in the NFL when it comes to stopping the run, giving up an average of 127.7 yards per game to opponents.
They allowed Ollie Gordon II to run for 103 yards and a touchdown in their 28-25 loss to Miami. In the Jets' loss earlier this season to the Bears, Kyle Monangai went off for 146 yards and two touchdowns, while teammate D'Andre Swift added another 58 yards in Chicago's 23-12 win. Jeanty's comments could also provide extra motivation for Jets running back Braelon Allen, who will face a Raiders defense allowing 143.6 rushing yards per game.
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